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•D3 HELPING HAND; 



OR, 



RUDENTIAL RbGOUTIONS. 



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§L 



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FOR 



The Use of Local Churches 



ADOPTED BY 



The. 



Church, at_ 



.County, in the State of_ 



The Annual Sessions of the Church shall be held 
on before the 

Sabbath in _, or as soc 

r ' jr as possible. 

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Fc, U «t fHRISTIAN Pl'BIISHIKG HOUSE, Dayton, Ohio, at 25 Cents per Copy. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

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pS>^ ©iqa|riglrf Iftt. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE 

HELPING HANDl 



O R , 



PRUDENTIAL RMUS|S, 

JwftURCHiSJ 



THE USE OF L0CA1 



EMBRACING 

COVENANT OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION, FORMULAS FOR THE 

RECEPTION OF MEMBERS, PROGRAM OF CHURCH BUSINESS, 

PRINCIPLES' OF CHURCH ORDER AND DISCIPLINE, 

CHURCH OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES WITH 

THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES, TOGETHER 

WITH OTHER MISCELLANEOUS 

REGULATIONS, ETC , 

DESIGNED TO 

AID IN THE ORGANIZATION OF CHURCHES, AND IN SYSTEMA- 
TIZING THEIR WORK SO AS TO UTILIZE^ 

FINANCIAL AND SPIRITUAL ^FORCE^ ^t^O ty Q / T^ 
. THE GLORY OF C2DD. ^" y RfGH? *& » 



73/ 



GTO^* 



y 



BY REV J, P. DAUGHERTY. 



OF RIPLEY, OHIO; 

AUTHOR OF ''THE CHRISTIANS AND THEIR SPECIAL WORK.' 



DAYTON. OHIO' 
CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING HOUSE. 



3*. 



6^ 




Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1889, 

By the'Rev. Jackson Perry Daugherty, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



PREFACE. 



In the preparation of the following work, the au- 
thor has availed himself of all the helps within his 
reach, especially that of Dr. Barnes' "Notes on the 
New Testament;" yet, he has not the vanity to 
think that, in a document like this, he can satisfy 
every individual mind. Hence, he presents this 
little book to the brotherhood in Christ, simply as 
a "Helping Hand" in the work of organizing local 
churches and systematizing their efforts for the pro- 
motion of Christ's kingdom — assisting them in suc- 
cessfully utilizing ail their financial and spiritual 
forces to the glory of God and the salvation of 
souls; hoping and praying that God's blessing may 
attend its humble mission. 

J. P. Daugherty. 



DEDICATION. 

The following treatise is humbiy and 
respectfully dedicated to the Christians 
everywhere, and most heartily com- 
mended to all local churches standing 
upon a congregational basis of organi- 
zation. 

J, P, DAUGHERTY. 



BRIEF INDEX, 



PAGE 

Covenant of Organization 9-10 

Formula for Receiving Members by Confession 10-12 

Formula for Receiving Members by Letter 12-1H 

Program of Church Business 13 

Principles of Church Order, etc 14 

The Injured Party, Duty of • • • 14-15 

The Offender, Duty of 15 

Duty of Church Toward Disorderly Members 15-16 

Remarks on Church Discipline 1(3 

The Pastor, Duties of 17-18 

The Deacons, Duties of 18-19 

The Clerk, Duties of. . . ' 19-20 

The Treasurer, Duties of • • • 20 

The Trustees, Duties of 21 

Financial Committee, Duties of 22-24 

Pastoral Board, Duties of 24-25 

Spiritual Committee, Duties of 25-2(5 

Conference Delegates, Duties of 20-27 

Special Committees 27 

Resident Members. Requirements of 27-28 

Non-resident Members, Privileges of 28 

Conditions of Amendment 28 

Supplement 29 



PRUDENTIAL REGULATIONS. 



PART FIRST. 



COVENANT OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION, FORMULAS FOR 
THE RECEPTION OF MEMBERS, AND PROGRAMME OF 
CHURCH BUSINESS. 

ARTICLE I. 

COVENANT OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION. 

We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, desiring 

to organize, establish and perpetuate a 

church at. , county, in the 

state of , and being assisted by Elders 

and , do hereby solemnly 

and prayerfully covenant and agree to unite ourselves 
together m church capacity for the promotion of mu- 
tual love and fellowship in Christian work ; taking 
the Bible as our all-sufficient and only standard of 
religious faith and duty ;* the Lord Jesus Christ -the 
"Head of the Church" — 2 as our only "Leader and 
Commander; 773 and tl Christian ' 7 * as the only name 
by which his followers are to be distinguished, not 
from each other, but from all others. Also, accepting 
Christian character, 5 or vital piety, when manifested 
to us, 6 as our only test of Christian fellowship and 
church membership ; and realizing that the success 
of the church depends upon the consecration of its 
individual membership, we further covenant together 
that we will attend the services of this church when 



— 10 — 

reasonably in our power to do so, contribute to its 
support according to our several ability, 7 and labor 
together to maintain its peace and harmony ; extend- 
ing a cordial welcome to all applicants who are will- 
ing, sincerely and candidly, to " confess Christ before 
men," 8 subscribe to this covenant in good faith, and 
unite with us in Christian work for the promotion of 
our Savior's kingdom. 

J II. Tim. 3: 16, 17. 2Eph. 5: 23. 3i sa . 5 : 4. 4 Acts 11: 26; Isa. 
62 : 2. 5 Acts 10 : 34, 35. e Matt, 16, 20 ; 10 : 32 ; Rom. 15:7. "I. Cor. 
16: J, 2, 9,7-14 «Matt 10: 32. 

NAMES OF THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS 

Subscribed ,18 

[Under this heading in the church-book, subscribe 
the names of the organizing or re-organizing mem- 
bers, as the case may be ] 

[Note— "The Church Record," on sale at the Christian Pub- 
lishing House, Dayton, Ohio, is here recommended to each 
church clerk.] 

NAMES OF ME3IBERS RECEIVED BY THE CHURCH. 

[Under this heading in the church-book write these 
names, giving proper date for each.] 

[Note.— 1. The blanks throughout this work can be readily 
tilled to meet the wants of any local church. 2. This covenant 
as it is, or amended, if need be, with blanks properly tilled, 
should, be copied into the church-book, under which all the 
members' names should be correctly written in the order above 
suggested. 8 Any church may re-organize at any time "under 
this covenant (slightly changed to suit the case), fixing a day 
for its annual election, and appointing its officers and com- 
mittees to serve until that time, or one year longer. 4. On re- 
organizing a church, all the members should, if possible, be 
requested to subscribe their names, or cause them to be sub- 
scribed to this covenant (worded to suit the case) ; then, if a 
majority consent and do so, without changing the denomina- 
tional basis of the church, the re-organization will hold the 
church property ] 

ARTICLE II. 

Section 1. Formula for the reception of members 
by confession * 
After suitable remarks, the pastor [any minister, 



— 11 — 

deacon or elder may officiate], standing before the 
applicant in the presence of the congregation, will re- 
quest him to stand to his feet. Then, presenting the 
Bible, and requesting him to place his hands upon it, 
he will ask : 

Do you believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ 
is the only begotten Son of God? (Ans. I do.) 

Do you accept him as your personal Savior, and 
steadfastly trust him for salvation? (Ans. I do.) 

Do you now give your sacred pledge, in the pres- 
ence of God and this congregation, that you will take 
the Bible as your all-sufficient and only standard of 
religious faith and duty, promising to live obedient 
to its requirements according to the best of your un- 
derstanding and ability ; and that you will attend the 
services of this church when reasonably in your power 
to do so, support its righteous enterprises, and labor 
for the salvation of souls, so far as you are able, the 
Lord helping you ? (Ans. I do ) 

The pastor will then remove the Bible and say : 

Dear brother (or sister), inasmuch as you have thus 
solemnly pledged your allegiance to Christ, and your 
fidelity to this church, I do, in behalf of the church, 
pledge to you the benefits of its sympathy and fellow- 
ship ; in token whereof, I now take you by the hand 
[extending the hand], bid you a hearty welcome to 
our association, and declare you entitled to all the 
rights and privileges of membership in the church. 

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee " true to the 
sacred vows of this religious consecration. The Lord 
"Preserve thee unto his heavenly kingdom," and 
bless thee forever. Amen. [ When all have been re- 
ceived the pastor should offer prayer, and then pre- 
sent to each of the newly-received members a pocket 
Bible or New Testament, and a copy of the " Helping 
Hand"— the church having provided them for that 
puq ose ] 



— 12 — 

The clerk having now correctly taken the names of 
the new members, will, if so desired, read them aloud, 
after which the pastor will request the members of 
the church, and all other followers of Christ present, 
to extend the hand of fellowship to them. 

: 'No objection should be called for, or entertained, against 
an applicant for anything he has done, or failed to do, prior to 
his confession of Christ and promise of obedience to his holy 
will; because, by this sacred promise, he pledges himself to 
right the past wrongs of his life so far as he is able ; and this 
promise being made with evident candor, should be received 
in good faith without objection. 

Note 1— Should the foregoing formula be used by the pastor 
of any church which includes baptism in its test of fellowship, 
he will extend the hand of congratulation, and omit the re- 
ceiving paragraph till after the applicant shall have been 
baptized. 

Note 2— Any one confessing Christ without joining the local 
church, should receive a certifiicate of the same from the pas- 
tor. He should also give certificates of baptism. 

Sec. 2. Formula for the reception of members by 
letter, or other commendation. 

On the presentation of a letter by an applicant, the 
pastor will read it aloud, and then call for objections; :i: 
and, if none be made, he will request the applicant to 
stand to his feet, and will say : 

Dear brother (or sister), your letter of commenda- 
tion assures us that you have pledged your allegiance 
to Christ and his holy Word. 

Do you now give your sacred pledge, in the presence 
of God and this congregation, that you will attend the 
services of this church, support its righteous enter- 
prises, and labor for the salvation of souls, so far as 
you are able, the Lord helping you? (Ads. I do.) 

The pastor will then say : 

Dear brother (or sister), inasmuch as you have thus 
assured us of your allegiance to Christ, and have sol- 
emnly pledged your fidelity to this church, I do, in 
behalf of the church, pledge to you the benefits of its 
sympathy and fellowship; in token whereof I now 



— 13 — 

take you by the hand [extending the hand], bid you 
a hearty welcome to our association, and declare you 
entitled to all the rights and privileges of member- 
ship in the church. 

** The Lord bless thee, and keep thee' 7 true to the 
sacred vows of this religious consecration. The Lord 
" Preserve thee unto his heavenly kingdom,' 7 and 
bless thee forever. Amen. 

The pastor and clerk should now proceed as directed 

in the preceding formula. 

*On the presentation of a letter by an applicant, an objec- 
tion may be entertained and considered by the church, on the 
ground that a letter might possibly be known, by the objector, 
to be held by an unworthy person. The case should be referred 
to the spiritual committee for investigation, and should the 
objection prove insufficient, or be harmoniously removed, the 
applicant should then be received as above directed. 

ARTICLE III. 

PROGRAM OF CHURCH BUSINESS. 

Section 1. Quarterly session. 

1. Devotional exercises and testimonies. 

2. Reading and adoption of minutes. 

3. Unfinished business. 

f Pastoral Committee. 
| Financial Committee. 

4. Reports of committees ■{ Spiritual Committee. 

j Conference Delegates. 
I Special Committees. 
f Trustees. 

e t> * * ' « ! Treasurer. 

5. Reports of officers . . . < ,„, , 

1 Clerk. 

[ Deacons. 

6. Appointment of special committees. 

7. Miscellaneous business. 

8. Adjournment with benediction. 

Sec. 2 For annual session use the above program, 
adding the election of regular committees and officers 
next after No. 6. 

[Note— Each member should take the ''Helping Hand" to 
every business meeting of the church. One copy should re- 
main on the stand in each church.] 



PART SECOND. 



PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH ORDER AND DISCIPLINE, EM- 
BRACING THE DUTY OF DISAGREEING PARTIES IN THE 
CHURCH TOWARD EACH OTHER, AND OF THE CHURCH 
TOWARD THEM AND OTHER DISORDERLY MEMBERS. 

ARTICLE I. 

DUTY OF THE OFFENDED OR INJURED PARTY. 

Section 1 . The offended or injured party should seek 
reconciliation with the offender by telling him his 
fault alone— privately, (Matt. 18: 15-17.) 
Reasons. 

1. In order to give the offender the most favorable 
opportunity for an explanation, if he is not guilty, 
but only supposed to be* 

2. To give him the most favorable opportunity for 
confessing his fault and righting the wrong, if he is 
guilty. 

3. To admonish him, in the most effectual way, to 
forsake his sins and live a Christian life, and thus 
gain him as a brother in Christ. 

Sec. 2. The offended party should continue to seek 
reconciliation by taking one or two with him — per- 
sons in whom the offender has confidence— in case he 
can not be reconciled privately. 
Reasons. 

1. That the offender may be induced to listen to 
them, and comply with reasonable terms of recon- 
ciliation. 

2. That, should the offender refuse to hear them, 
they may be reliable witnesses of his conduct when 
his case comes before the church. 



' 



— 15 — 

Sec. 3. The offended party should continue to seek 
reconciliation, by telling it to the church or spiritual 
committee, in case the, offender will not hear those 
witnesses. Reasons. 

1. That the offender may be again admonished and 
entreated; and, if passible, reformed — reconciled to 
his brother and retained in the church. 

2. That, if he will not hear the church, he may be 
to the members as a heathen man— an outsider — sepa- 
rated from fellowship in the church, "put away from 
among them," as unworthy of their confidence, that, 
peradventure, his "spirit may be saved in the day of 
the Lord Jesus » (I. Cor. 5: 5, 13.) 

ARTICLE II. 

DUTY OF THE OFFENDER. 

Section 1. The offender should seek reconciliation 
with the offended or injured party by seeking an in- 
terview with him privately. ( Matt. 5 : 23, 24.) 
Reasons. 

1. To make an explanation to him if the offense was 
not intended, and thus to disabuse the mind of the 
offended party, and be at peace with him. 

2. To confess the wrong and make restitution or 
satisfaction, if guilty, and thus be reconciled together. 

3. To prepare the heart for acceptable worship. 

Sec 2. Should the offender fail to effect a recon- 
ciliation with the offended or injured party, after 
having done all he could reasonably do in a private 
interview, he then becomes the offended party him- 
self, and should further proceed as directed in Sec- 
tions 2 and 3 of the preceding Article. 

ARTICLE III. 

DUTY OF THE CHUPvCH TOWARD DISORDERLY 
MEMBERS. 

Section 1. When the disagreement of two or more 
members becomes publicly known to the church, 



— 1G — 

and they will not seek reconciliation with each other, 
then the church should, through its spiritual commit- 
tee, seek to restore them, as disorderly members, to 
peace and fellowship. 

Suggestion. 

The work should be done in the spirit of meek- 
ness, " each acting as he would wish that others should 
act toward him. (Gal. 6:1; Matt. 7 : 12.) 

Sec 2. If the spiritual committee fail to restore 
publicly disagreeing parties to fellowship with each 
other, and they continue at variance, then the church 
should bring them to an account for their disorderly 
conduct. Suggestion. 

In thus dealing with them, the church should act 
through a special committee, chosen by the body, or 
by the parties with consent of the church, to investi- 
gate the case, and whose decision should be made 
final. ( I. Cor. 6 : 4, 5, and 2 : 15 ; II. Thes. 3 : 16, 14 ) 

Sec. 3. When a member of the church is known to 
walk disorderly in any way, the church, through its 
spiritual committee, should seek to restore such in 
the "spirit of meekness." ( Gal. 6 : 1.) 

Sec. 4. If the wayward or disorderly member can 
not be reformed or restored, then the church should 
withdraw fellowship from him, and order the clerk 
to note him on the record as dismissed for disorderly 
conduct. ( II. Thes. 3 : 6, 14 ; I. Cor. 5 : 5, 13 ) 
Remark. 

In the preceding principles of discipline, it will be 
seen that the remaining members of the church do 
not inflict any positive punishment on the offender 
by withdrawing their fellowship from him. 

They leave him unmolested in all his rights as a 
man, a citizen, a neighbor, a husband, a father, etc., 
and simply cease to recognize him as a Christian 
brother. Tbey simply dismiss him from their fellow- 
ship as a brother in Christ. 



PART THIRD. 



(FFICERS OF A WELL- ORGANIZED CHURCH AND THEIR 
RESPECTIVE DUTIES. 
ARTICLE I. 
One ordained Elder or Pastor, whose time of serv- 
ice shall commence as per agreement with the church, 
tnrough its pastoral committee, and expire as per said 
agreement, or for cause, or upon his resignation, ac- 
cepted by said committee. ( Phil. 1 : 1 ; I. Peter 5 : 1-3. ) 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the pastor to pre- 
side over the body (the church) in all its deliberations, 
unless it shall consent to elect one of its own mem- 
bers to do so. ( I. Thes. 5 : 12, 13 ) 

Sec 2. It shall be his duty to visit the sick and in- 
firm, and to " Feed the flock of God; . . . taking the 
oversight thereof" according to the Gospel, and to see 
that all the officers and committees of the church 
faithfully [perform the duties, respectively, assigned 
them. (I. Peter 5 : 2, 3 ; I. Tim. 3 : 1-7.) 

Sec. 3. It shall be his duty to faithfully comply, on 
•his part, with the conditions of the contract made be- 
! tween him and the pastoral committee, and recorded 
in the church-book. 

Sec 4. It shall be his duty to consult with the offi- 
cers and committees of the church, when so desired 
by them, in regard to all the interests of the organi- 
zation. 

Sec. 4. It shall be his duty to officiate, in behalf of 
the church, in receiving applicants to membership. 

Sec. 6. It shall be his duty to administer the ordi- 
nances of the church according to the Gospel. 



— 18 — 

Sec. 7. It shall be bis duty to see that the church 
faithfully comply with all the requirements of the 
Conference of which it is a member. 

[ Note— Should a pastorate be formed, the pastoral commit- 
tees of the united churches, or their secretaries, will form one 
pastorate board.] 

ARTICLE II. 

Deacons, not less than two nor more than , 

each one of whom shall be chosen or elected* by the 
church, and ordained according to the Gospel; and 
shall continue in office as long as he shall remain in 
fellowship with the church, " using the office of a 
deacon well," or until he be promoted to the minis- 
try, or his resignation be accepted by the church. 
( Acts 6 : 1-6 ; Phil. 1:1; I. Tim. 3 : 13.) 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the deacons to see 
that the emblems of the communion are furnished, 
and to assist the pastor in ministering at the ''Lord's 
Supper." 

Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the oldest deacon 
present at any meeting or session of the church to 
officiate in receiving applicants into membership, in 
the absence of the pastor or other elder or minister. 

Sec 3. It shall be the duty of the deacons to visit 
the sick, and to see that every member, when sick, is 
properly cared for; and to render every assistance 
reasonably in their power to give comfort to the poor 
and destitute of the church, and to see that their 
temporal wants are supplied from the relief fund of 
the church when necessary. 

Sec. 4. It shall be their duty to report to the church, 
at each quarterly session, their work, and the secular 
necessities of any of its members which demand at- 
tention, so far as they have been able to learn, sug- 
gesting means of relief. 



• In all elections a majority of the members present and vot- 
ting shall be necessary for the choice of an officer or commit- 
teeman, and for any decision except amendment. 



— 19 — 

Sec. 5. As " spiritual" brethren, their further du- 
ties will be identified with those of the spiritual 
committee. ( See page 25. ) 

ARTICLE III. 

One Clerk or Scribe, who shall be elected at each 
annual* session of the church, and shall continue in 
office (except for cause) until his successor shall be 
elected, or his resignation be accepted by the church. 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the clerk to keep 
a fair and impartial record of all the proceedings of the 
church, including the enrollment of all the members' 
names, with proper dates, stating whether they were 
received by confession, or by commendation, giving 
dates of baptisms, deaths, dismissals, etc., and to write 
all articles of agreement, notes, orders, letters, reports 
to Conference, etc., for the church in its collective 
capacity. 

Sec 2 It shall be his duty to officially sign all 
obligations, letters of commendation and correspond- 
ence, reports to conference, etc., given or ordered, by 
the church in its collective capacity, and to perform 
such other duties as the church may require, or as 
usually pertain to the office of clerkship — such as the 
reading of minutes, papers, letters, petitions, resolu- 
tions, etc. 

SEC 3. It shall be his duty to determine the finan- 
cial condition of the church from the reports of the 
treasurer, trustees and financial committee (showing 
discrepancies between them, if any), and report the 
same at each quarterly session. 

Sec. 4. It shall be his duty to make out a correct 
report of the church to Conference annually, such as 
the Conference may require, to be adopted by the 
church and copied into its records. 

Should any church prefer to elect any of its officers or com- 
mittees biennially, the clerk can erase the word " annual " and 
write or print the proper word in the margin. 



— 20 — 

Sec -5. It shall be his duty to record the contract 
between the pastor and the pastoral committee in the 
church-book, and to provide duplicates of the church 
roll for the benefit of the pastor and all the secretaries. 

Sec. 6. It shall be his duty to write or print the 
names of all the officers and committeemen of the 
church, in legible form, immediately after each an- 
nual election, leaving a copy of the same in some con- 
venient place in the church for the benefit of all 
concerned. 

Sec. 7. It shall be his duty to report the statistics 
of the church at each annual session, including the 
number added, dismissed and deceased, together with 
the aggregate increase or decrease, and present num- 
ber of its membership ; and to read publicly, at the 
same session, the names of all who remain in good 
standing and fellowship in the church. 

ARTICLE IV. 

One Treasurer, who shall be elected at each annual 
session of the church, and shall continue in office 
(excepting for cause) until his successor shall be elect- 
ed, or his resignation be accepted by the church. 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to 
receive and hold all moneys of the church, receipting 
for the same, and giving proper credits, according to 
the purpose for which each deposit is to be used ; and 
to pay all orders officially signed by the financial 
secretary or secretary of the board of trustees, and no 
others. 

Sec. 2. It shall be his duty to keep a full and cor- 
rect account of all moneys received and paid out, and 
for what purpose, showing the balance on hand for 
each department of expense, and the total balance, 
and to report the same to the church at each quarterly 
meeting ; and to perform such other duties, in con- 
nection with his office, as the church may require. 



— 21 — 
ARTICLE V. 

Trustees, each one of whom shall be elect- 
ed by ballot annually, after the first annual election 
held by the church, and shall confine in office (except- 
ing for cause) until his successor is elected, or his 
resignation be accepted by the church. 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the trustees to 
appoint one of their number as chairman, and one as 
secretary of the board. 

Sec. 2. It shall be their duty to hold in trust all the 
real estate of the church, and to see that the same is 
properly cared for and kept free from all encum- 
brances, if possible. 

Sec. 3. It shall be their duty to raise, or cause to be 
raised, if possible 03^ subscription (filed with and 
copied into their book of accounts), or by the sale of 
real estate belonging to the church, or otherwise, a 
sufficient amount of money for the purpose of making 
purchases, building, repairing, etc, when ordered to 
do so by the church, and to deposit the same in the 
hands of the treasurer, taking his receipt. 

Sec. 4. It shall be their duty to make purchases, 
build, repair, etc , so far as the means furnished them 
will justify, when ordered to do so by the church. 
' Sec. 5. It shall be their duty to give orders on the 
\ treasurer, officially signed by their secretary, for the 
amounts due to claimants under their jurisdiction. 

Sec. 6. It shall be their duty to report to the 
church, quarterly, the condition of the property in 
their trust, also their official contracts and work, in- 
cluding money raised and paid out, and the balance 
on deposit ; also the amount due the church and from 
whom, the amount the church owes and to whom, 
showing the financial condition of the church in 
^their department, and making such inquiries and 
suggestions as they may deem best. 

[Note.— General official meetings may be held at the call of 
the castor or presiding officer of the church. 



PART FOURTH. 



COMMITTEES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES, TOGETHER 
WITH MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS. 

ARTICLE I. 

A Financial Committee or Board of Stewards, con- 
sisting of members of the church having 

good judgment and financial ability, who shall be 
elected at each annual session of the church, and 
shall continue in office (excepting for cause) until 
their successors shall be elected, or their resignation 
be accepted by the church. 

Section 1. It shall be duty of the financial com- 
mittee to appoint one of its number as chairman, and 
one as secreta^ of the board. 

Sec. 2 It shall be the duty of this committee to 
raise or cause to be raised, if possible by subscription 
(filed with arrd copied into its book of accounts,) by 
the card and envelope plan recommended by the 
A. C. C committee on blanks, by the form of blank 
for each, as on page 30 of supplement, or otherwise, 
a sufficient amount of money to meet all the expenses 
of the church during the year (excepting for real 
estate), including pastor's salary, sexton's salary, 
conference fund, and all incidental expenses; and to 
receive all collections and donations for local church 
work, for denominational enterprises, for missions, 
for benevolent purposes, etc.; also to give due credit 
for all moneys raised and received, and to deposit the 
same in the hands of the treasurer, taking his receipt. 



— 23 — 

Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of this committee to 
make an estimate* of the amount each resident mem- 
ber should annually or periodically pay into the 
church treasury, according to the obvious circum- 
stances of each and the amount to be paid by the 
whole church (after deducting all moneys reliably 
pledged or received from outsiders and non-resident 
members, from sale of personal property, donations 
and collections for the church), allowing each mem- 
ber to suggest such corrections of the estimate in his 
own case as, in the judgment of the committee, jus- 
tice may demand ; allowing him also to designate, if 
he request it, the particular purposes for which his 
money shall be used. 

Sec 4. It shall be its duty to employ a suitable sex- 
ton for the church, to determine his duties and time 
of service, and to see that the necessary materials are 
provided to his hand for the comfort of public wor- 
ship—such as fuel, oil or gas, stoves, lamps, brooms, 
brushes, etc., and to make purchases of other personal 
property for the church when necessary, such as car- 
pets, organ, clock, maps, desk, books, stand, com- 
munion set, baptismal gowns, etc., and to see that the 
same shall be properly cared for. 

Sec. 5. It shall be its duty to give orders on the 
treasurer, officially signed by its secretary, for the 
payment of all church debts (excepting real estate) 
when the claims have been made satisfactory ; and 
also for the appropriation of all moneys, made by col- 
lections or otherwise, and donated for local church 



"The following method of preparing an assessment table will 
be found useful : Take $1.00 as the lowest amount any member 
should pay. Reckoning from this as a base, set down the esti- 
mated share of each. Add all together, and then find what 
per cent each share is of the sum of all the shares. This per 
cent can then be applied to any amount to be raised and the 
share of each obtained. Apply the per cent to the amount to 
be raised, after deducting all other reliable helps. The table 
should be adjusted annually to the circumstances of each, and 
the increase or decrease of the membership. [Rui.e— Mul- 
tiply each share by 100, and divide by the sum of all the shares. 
The* quotient will be the required per cent.] 



work, denominational enterprises, benevolent pur- 
poses, etc., as directed by the church in its collective 
capacity. 

Sec. 6. It shall be its duty to keep a true and just 
account between the church and all its debtors and 
creditors (excepting for real estate), and report to the 
ehureh quarterly, giving a correct account of all the 
money collected and deposited in the treasury by 
the committee, and from what source, the amount 
ordered out by it and for what purposes; showing the 
balance on deposit, also the amount of the church's 
indebtedness, if any, and to whom ; the amount due 
the church, if any, and from'whom, showing its finan- 
cial condition in this department, and to perform such 
other duties as the church may require. 

AETICLE II. 

A Pastoral Committee, consisting of mem- 
bers of the church, who shall be elected at each an- 
nual session of the church, and shall continue in 
office (excepting for cause) until their successors shall 
be elected, or their resignation be accepted by the 
church. 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the pastoral com- 
mittee to appoint one of its number as chairman, and 
one as secretary of the board. 

Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of this committee, as a 
representative board in behalf of the church, to pray- 
erfully consider the wants of the church and people, 
and to select to the best of its ability, and employ, if 
possible, a suitable pastor for the church, when such 
necessity shall exist ; and to see that the pastor faith- 
fully comply on his part with the conditions of the 
contract, and that he be punctually paid for his serv- 
ices as per agreement. 

Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of this committee to re- 
port to the church its contract with the pastor, as 
soon as possible after it has been made, and to certify 



— 25 — 

to the financial secretary, from time to time, the 
amount due the pastor as per agreement. 

Sec 4. It shall be its duty, in consultation with 
the pastor, to determine the hours for public service, 
and to see that good order be preserved during the 
same ; also to see that strangers are properly seated 
and cared for during service. 

ARTICLE III. 

A Spiritual Committee, consisting of the deacons (and 

elders, if the church have them), and .other 

"spiritual" members, who shall be chosen at each 
annual meeting of the church, to complete the board, 
and who shall continue in office (excepting for cause) 
until their successors shall be elected, or their resigna- 
tion be accepted by the church. 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of the spiritual com- 
mittee to appoint one of its number as chairman, and 
one as secretary of the board. 

Sec. 2. It shall be its duty prayerfully to consider 
and look after the spiritual interests of the church — to 
see that the members are in fellowship with each 
other, if possible, and are walking in the ways of holi- 
ness and peace. (Gal. 6:1; Eph. 4 : 1-3, and 5:2.) 

Sec. 3. It shall be its duty, as a representative board 
in behalf of the church, to hear all charges or griev- 
ances which may be brought before it by any member 
or members of the church according to the Gospel ; 
and after a thorough and impartial investigation of 
any given case, to render its decision according to the 
best of its judgment in regard to it. (Matt. 18 : 15-17; 
I. Cor. 6:4, 5.) 

Sec. 4. It shall be its duty to investigate any reli- 
able report of disagreement or ill feeling between 
members, or of any other disorderly conduct in any 
member of the church, and if any be thus, or in any 
other way, "overtaken in a fault" it shall seek to re- 
store such in the "spirit of meekness;" but if the 



— 26 — 

erring brother can not be reformed and restored, the 
spiritual committee shall then, in behalf of the church, 
withdraw fellowship from him. (Gal. 6 : 1 ; I. Cor. 
6:4,5; II. Thes. 3:6, 14.) 

Sec 5. It shall be the duty of this committee, 
through its secretary, to report its decisions to the 
church at the next regular session after they have 
been severally made, to be adopted or re-committed 
for final adjustment as the church in its collective ca- 
pacity shall decide. (I. Cor. 5 : 1-5, 13.) 

Sec. 5. It shall be its duty, through its secretary, to 
present to the church all requests for letters of com- 
mendation, for the public improvement of ministerial 
gifts, and for voluntary withdrawal without letter; 
also to report to the church quarterly all removals by 
death or otherwise. 

Sec. 7. It shall be its duty, in connection with the 
clerk, to revise the church roll annually, and order 
such entries as the facts shall warrant. 

Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the spiritual com- 
mittee, in consultation with the trustees and pastor, 
to determine what shall be prohibited and what per- 
mitted as to the incidental purposes for which the 
church-house shall be used — such as its use for politi- 
cal speaking, lectures (as to kind), suppers, etc. 

Sec. 9. It shall be its duty, through its secretary, to 
report to the church, at each quarterly session, the 
spiritual condition of the membership, so far as the 
committee has been able to learn, and to make such 
inquiries, requests and suggestions as shall lead to a 
deeper spiritual interest among the members. 

[Note.— 1. Sub-committees may be appointed by any of the 
boards to assist them in their respective duties. 2. Committee 
meetings may be held at the call of the charmen of the respect- 
ive boards] 

ARTICLE IV. 

Conferenticd Delegates or Messengers, consisting of 
as many members as the Conference will admit to 
seats in its sessions, who shall be elected at each an- 



Dual session of the church, and shall continue in office 
(excepting for cause) until their successors shall be 
elected, or until their resignation be accepted by the 
church. 

Section 1. It shall be the duty of these delegates 
to represent the membership and will of the church 
permanently in Conference, and to attend, if possible, 
all its sessions. 

Sec. 2. It shall be their duty to convey to Confer- 
ence the annual church report and Conference fund, 
and to carry out the instructions of the church by 
their united action in Conference ; but beyond this, 
each delegate shall be left free to act according to 
his own best judgment for the general good of all 
concerned. 

Sec. 3. It shall be their duty to report, at the next 
session of the church after their return, what the 
Conference requires of, and what it promises to the 
church, together with such other matters as may con- 
cern the two bodies in their mutual relations. 

[Note.— 1. These delegates may be sometimes wisely chosen 
from the pastoral committee. 2 Official vacancies (excepting 
pastoral) may be rilled by the church at any regular session.] 

ARTICLE Y. 

Special Committees may be raised at any regular 
session of the church. 

Section 1. The duties of all special committees 
shall be respectively assigned them by the presiding 
officer upon their appointment. 

ARTICLE VI. 
Any resident member, known to have absented 

himself from the public services of the church 

year. . , reckoning from any session, or known to have 
refused to bear his part of the financial obligations of 
the church, as determined by the financial committee, 
during the same period, without giving it a reasonable 
excuse when required, shall be reported to the spir- 



— 28 — 

itual committee for disorderly conduct. 1 ' (Heb. 10: 
24,25; I. Cor. 16:1-3.) 

AETICLE VII. 

Any non-resident member who can not well attend 

the services of the church, can have his name remain 

on the church roll only by reporting favorably to the 

clerk or financial secretary (by letter or otherwise), at 

least once every year. . , reckoning from one 

annual session to another, and sending with said re- 
port, if possible, an acceptable contribution for the 
church treasury, as the Lord requires. (I. Cor. 16 : 1-3. ) 

ARTICLE VIII. 

Aid societies by whatever name designated, may be 
formed at any time by the church, to work in har- 
mony with the foregoing regulations. 

ARTICLE IX. 

CONDITIONS OF AMENDMENT. 

Section 1. The foregoing " Prudential Regula- 
tions, 77 or auy part of them, may be anulled or 
amended by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the 
members present and voting at any regular session of 
the church, so far as its use of them is concerned, no- 
tice having been publicly given of the same at any 
two previous regular sessions. 

Sec. 2. Amendments should be written or printed 
by the clerk on the blank leaves in the supplement 
for the use of each member, after which the books 
should be returned to their respective owners. 

Sec. 3. The Article or Section amended should be 
appropriately referred to in the supplement ; and the 
fact of amendment and page of supplement on which 
it may be found should be noted in the margin of the 
book opposite the Article or Section amended. 

-Whether a member is resident or non-resident, and whether 
he has complied with al 1 the obligations in Articles VI. or VII., 
as the case may be, shall be determined by the financial com- 
mittee; and if he has not, he shall then be reported to the 
spiritual committee for disorderly conduct. 



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The above forms a leaf of a book of blaDks which each church 
should provide for its own use. 



SUPPLEMENT. 

Embracing miscellaneous amendments and notes, 

made by the '. church, in 

, county, in 

the state of 



(ill 



021 898 725 4 



